Romania's Minister of Labour and Social Justice Lia-Olguta Vasilescu on Wednesday welcomed head of the European Commission Representation in Bucharest Angela Cristea to set the objectives for the period immediately ahead in the area of social affairs, with emphasis on the role of social partners in the consultation process, according to the Labour Ministry.

Vasilescu introduced the main measures of the incumbent Romanian governments in the provinces of labour and social justice, emphasising a uniform public pay law, thought to be completed in the first six months of 2017, as an absolute priority.

Also discussed were cutting unemployment and stopping external migration of the workforce as a measure to bridge the labour deficit facing Romania in some of its regions, as well as legislative changes in the areas of apprenticeship and internship, both of which are part of a bill undergoing external approval to be passed by the Government. First Rent and First Wage programmes were also discussed as designed to cut unemployment and boost employment in order to help Romania achieve its objectives pledged under the Europe 2020 strategy.

Cristea is quoted as briefing Vasilescu on the European Pillar of Social Rights aimed at securing equal opportunities and access to the labour market, including the development of skills and life-long learning, along with active support for employment, fair working conditions, adequate and lasting social security as well as access to high-quality essential services, including childcare services.

Also featuring in the conversation was Law 196/2016 on a minimum welfare income (VMI) to come into force on April 1, 2018 that is designed to improve targeting the poorest people by rethinking income brackets and improving fairness in configuring welfare benefits.